Candlelight Vigil for High Schooler Saanvi Reddy Anamasu in Cumming, Georgia: Community Comes Together to Promote Mental Health Awareness

Cumming, Georgia: The Telugu and Indian American community came together in an emotional show of solidarity and support during a candlelight vigil held in memory of Saanvi Reddy Anumasu, a 15 year old freshman at South Forsyth High School whose tragic passing deeply impacted families across the community.

The vigil was held at Banjara Banquets and was attended by hundreds of community members, parents, students, educators, faith leaders, physicians, business leaders, and youth advocates. The gathering served not only as a memorial for Saanvi, but also as a call for greater awareness surrounding student stress, emotional well being, anxiety, and mental health challenges faced by children and teenagers today.

One of the most emotional moments of the evening came when Saanvi’s parents and younger sister addressed the audience, sharing heartfelt words through unimaginable grief. Their courage and vulnerability moved attendees to tears and reminded everyone of the importance of compassion, emotional support, and community unity during times of tragedy.

Throughout the program, every attendee lit a candle in memory of Saanvi and stood together in solidarity with the grieving family. The atmosphere reflected not only sorrow, but also collective responsibility to better support children facing emotional and academic pressures.

Several respected community leaders and professionals spoke during the program, emphasizing the urgent need for open conversations around mental health, reducing unhealthy academic pressure, and creating emotionally safe environments for children both at home and in schools.

Among the prominent speakers and attendees were Dr. Deepthi Talluri, Kiran Reddy Pasham, Anil Bodhireddy, Srinivas Srirama, Anand Bukkarayasamudram, Venkat Gokyada, Sairam Karumanchi, Suneetha Potnuru, Rajesh Tadikamalla, Sudhakar Saneka, Venkat Meesala, Suma Potini, Madhu Yarlagadda, Mustafa Ajmeri, Rajesh Jampala, Shankar Mahadevan, Himanshu Karnal, Amos Sureka, and many others who came forward to support the family and advocate for greater awareness.

Young women Deeksha and Shivani also presented important information about mental health resources and support systems available to students experiencing stress, anxiety, and emotional struggles. Their presentation encouraged students to seek help, communicate openly, and understand that no challenge is bigger than their life.

Student volunteers Maha and Maia assisted with attendee registration throughout the program, helping connect community members to future initiatives focused on youth mental health awareness, student well being, and community support inspired by the message of the vigil.

The vigil was organized through the collective efforts of Ajay Ravulapalli, Nanda Chatla, Dr. Vani Gaddam, Renuka Molleti, Anupama Subbagari, Murali Somavarapu, Muni Venkatappa, and several dedicated volunteers and supporters who worked behind the scenes to make the event possible.

The organizers also expressed sincere appreciation to DJ Gouri Shankar, Sakshi TV’s Anjali for media coverage, Desi District for providing tea, and Banjara Banquets for graciously providing the venue for the gathering. The vigil concluded with a powerful message echoed throughout the evening:

“Children should never feel that one mistake, one failure, or one difficult moment defines their worth or future.”

Community members expressed hope that Saanvi’s memory will inspire deeper compassion, stronger emotional support systems, and more meaningful conversations around youth mental health for generations to come.